Gaps can form between teeth due to genetics, poor oral habits, or underlying dental problems. Many people feel self-conscious about the way that their smile looks if there is uneven spacing between their teeth.
Your orthodontist can create a customized orthodontic treatment plan to align your smile and close gaps between teeth. You will notice improvements in your oral health with this type of treatment as well. Dr. Wayne Sankey, an orthodontist practicing in Flower Mound, TX, describes how different orthodontic treatments can help you amend spacing concerns in your smile.
Why Should I Amend Teeth Spacing Issues?
Gaps between teeth may make an individual feel unhappy with the appearance of their smile, dealing a blow to their confidence that can carry over into other aspects of their life. However, these gaps can cause oral health concerns as well as cosmetic ones.
Spacing issues between teeth expose more of the surface of your teeth, which allow plaque and food particles to accumulate. It can be difficult to reach these in-between spots in your smile when brushing and flossing your teeth.
This might mean that plaque can erode your tooth enamel and cause dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening your smile and removing these gaps can reduce your risk of developing these issues.
How Do Braces Close Gaps Between Teeth?
Traditional braces feature metal brackets on the outside of your teeth connected with a wire. Your orthodontist uses small elastic bands that attach to the brackets and link together to pull teeth closer together, closing gaps and creating a straighter smile.
The length of this treatment can last six weeks or six months, depending on the size and number of gaps and the patient’s overall dental health preceding the orthodontic treatment. Your dental professional can help you develop a detailed and customized smile design plan with orthodontics during a consultation appointment.
Can I Choose Invisalign for Orthodontic Treatment?
Many orthodontic patients prefer closing gaps between their teeth and straightening their smile with Invisalign. This treatment uses custom-made, clear-colored plastic aligners worn for 22 hours each day to gradually align a patient’s smile.
Patients with very wide gaps in their smiles or other severe alignment issues might not be eligible for this type of orthodontic treatment. This is because the plastic fixtures might not pull the teeth in the way that is needed. As with traditional braces, the duration of this orthodontic treatment will differ for each patient according to their dental needs.
Discover Optimal Orthodontic Treatment in Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound Orthodontics provides Invisalign, braces, and other orthodontic solutions to patients in Flower Mound, TX. Dr. Sankey can help patients of all ages straighten their smiles and align their bites. If you notice a relapse in your smile’s alignment after completing orthodontic treatment, you should consult your local orthodontist. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 972.833.8212 or reach our staff online.